Amber

Amber Beer / Ale

The Amber beer style refers to beers that stand out due to their characteristic amber colour. This colour is achieved through the use of special types of malt, which not only give the beer its colour, but also a rich, malty flavour profile. Amber beers can be either top or bottom fermented, depending on the brewery and the specific recipe they use.

Top-fermented Amber beers

Top-fermented Amber beers, often referred to as Amber Ales, are characterised by a fruity, sometimes floral hop note balanced with a solid malt base. They can have a moderate to high bitterness, with the focus often being on the harmony between malt sweetness and hop flavours.

Bottom-fermented Amber beers

Bottom-fermented Amber beers, sometimes referred to as Amber Lager, generally offer a smoother, cleaner flavour profile than their top-fermented counterparts. They are known for their soft malt sweetness, with less emphasis on hop flavours. These beers can have a light to moderate bitterness and are often very approachable and easy-drinking.

Characteristics

• Colour: As the name suggests, amber beers have a beautiful deep amber to copper colour.
• Flavour and aroma: These beers offer a good balance between malt sweetness and the bitterness of the hops. Malt flavours can be reminiscent of caramel, biscuit or toast, while hop flavours can vary depending on the beer style and recipe.
• Mouthfeel: Amber beers generally have a medium mouthfeel, which makes them an excellent accompaniment to a variety of Foods.

In Switzerland, where beer culture is deeply rooted and a rich variety of local and regional beers can be found, Amber beers can have a special flavour of local malt and hop varieties. Swiss brewers often bring their own unique interpretation to this beer style, resulting in an interesting range of amber beers that reflect both tradition and innovation.